Asymmetric tooth extraction

In patients with severe crowding, the extraction of premolars is the only measure to gain enough space for dental arch alignment. Generally, most orthodontists tend to extract symmetrically in order to maintain or achieve a good midline and occlusal relationship. In patients, however, who already lost a 1st molar due to caries, symmetric extraction would not lead to an acceptable treatment result. The authors of the following article present two patients in whom they chose asymmetric extraction to achieve a functional occlusion and an esthetically pleasing facial appearance. Keywords: Asymmetric extraction, crowding, midline discrepancy, premature loss of teeth